Fact
is sometimes stranger than fiction A Local Government Report from Stephanie
Herd and Angela Lynes Delegates were mesmerised and often just as confused
as the Standing Order Committee as to what was going to happen next. Adrian
Mole, AKA Tom Clark, South Lanarkshire, tried to persuade conference, he is only
forty-eight and a half years old. Just as unbelievably conference was unable
to shift the social decision not to allow the debate on the English, Welsh, Northern
Ireland Pay 2004 offer And just as we thought it was safety to go into
the Unizone, the President, Dave Anderson ruled from the Chair to allow the debate
- however, (cleverly) he omitted to mention this ruling did not include Conference
being allowed to vote on the issue. Scotland's representative on the Standing
Orders Committee this year was Stephen Smellie, South Lanarkshire - this was his
first taste of the SOC's slick operation. By the end of Conference, Stephen is
allegedly reported as saying "this has really been a life altering experience
… now I'm going out to get a life to alter." Local Government Finance
Angela moved the Composite on Reviewing Local Government Finance which
was carried overwhelmingly. South Lanarkshire's contribution to the debate from
Martha McAllister to the debate called for a review of all finance in local government.
Motion 17 - TUPE Highland Branch's Munro Ross (Daddy BEAR)
moved amendment 17.02 successfully. Motion 25 - Review of the Local
Government Service Group Structures… Tom Lithgow, East Lothian, urged
conference not to ditch the School Meals forum - unfortunately conference weren't
minded to agree. Motion 37 - Housing Scottish delegates decide
to withdraw amendment 37.01 having taken advice from experts. Apparently bullet
point 2 included technical issues that regarding writing off housing debt that
was impractical and unachievable and would not have any significant impact and
investments Rory Malone… Dundee added encouraging information regarding the local
postcard ballot where tenants reject the Council's proposals for stock transfer
Local Government Pension Scheme The debate on Local Government
Pension Scheme was enhanced by Tom Clark's stylish looks and very pertinent comments
about our employers' obligation to ensure our members have a decent pension to
look forward to. Motion 39 - Services to Children amendment 39.01 Stephanie
Herd called for a set of guidelines to how inquiries into child fatalities should
be conducted to ensure consistency. Inquiries should identify opportunities to
improve systems and procedures rather than apportion blame. The amendment and
motion were carried.unanimously. Motion 42 - Direct Payments Again
moved by Stephanie Herd, who had stolen the speech made when this motion was debated
at the Scottish Local Government Conference in April this year. The motion
supports individual's rights to choose the care arrangements that suit their needs
- however this could pose a real threat to our members' jobs how provide care
services directly through local councils. Individuals should be fully aware of
their responsibilities as an employer should they choose to employ private care
assistants. UNISON has to develop a strategy to recruit, organise and service
these potential members. Conference supported the motion. School Workforce
Unfortunately for many Scottish delegates the motions relating to remodelling
the school workforce agreement seemed a bit remote and unrelated to the Scottish
agenda - as did the nitty gritty elements of the NJC pay issue. Perhaps
the approval of the policy paper on Bargaining and Devolution heard on Thursday
will sort this out for next year's agenda. This year's Scottish Delegates
were Stephanie Herd and Bob Revie, however due to ill health Bob was grounded
- our best wishes to him and a big thanks to Angela Lynes who substituted willingly
Thank to branches for not giving your delegate a hard time. Cheers!
Please note Local Government Conference 2005 is to be held in sunny
Glasgow Scottish Branches are urged to consider submitting motions to ensure it's
a relevant agenda at Next Year's Conference. top | 
